From Cozumel: Starfish, Stingrays and the Turtle Sanctuary

If you’re thinking about adding a snorkeling adventure in Cozumel to your trip, this tour offering visits to El Cielo, El Cielito Beach, and Cozumel Turtle Bay is quite popular—and for good reason. With a solid 4.4/5 rating from over 450 reviews, it’s clear many travelers find this trip worthwhile.

What we particularly like about this tour is how accessible it is—starting near the cruise port—and the variety of marine life you get to see, from playful sea turtles to graceful stingrays and even starfish. Plus, the price of $52 per person makes it an attractive option for those wanting quality without overspending.

However, a notable point to consider is the sun protection aspect—some reviewers mention coming away sunburnt, which reminds us that proper planning, like wearing wetsuits or full-coverage clothing, can make a big difference.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy relaxed, guided snorkeling with plenty of chances to see sea creatures up close. It’s especially good for those who are new to snorkeling or want an easy, close-to-port experience with a good mix of adventure and comfort.

• Accessible near cruise ports: Perfect for short shore excursions.
• Variety of sites: Multiple stops mean more chances to see turtles, rays, and starfish.
• Guided experience: Knowledgeable guides enhance safety and spotting marine life.
• All ages welcome: Suitable for beginners with calm, clear waters.
• Value for money: Includes gear, snacks, drinks, and insured boat rides.
• Sun safety: Be prepared for sun exposure, and consider protective clothing or wetsuits.

This snorkeling tour in Cozumel hits many marks for travelers looking for a fun, visually stunning, and straightforward marine adventure. The itinerary covers several top spots that are known for their incredible marine life and shallow waters, making it suitable for those who want to see a variety of creatures without spending all day or venturing far from port.

The starting point at Marina Cozumel ASIPONA is convenient for cruise visitors, and the entire trip lasts around four hours, fitting easily into a morning or afternoon schedule. The cost of $52 covers boat transportation, guided snorkel stops, gear, snacks, and drinks—offering pretty good value, especially considering the quality of the experience.

Starting at Marina Cozumel ASIPONA

The tour kicks off here, with a brief safety briefing and gear distribution. This meeting point is very accessible for cruise ship passengers and those staying nearby. The guides are described as certified and knowledgeable, which provides peace of mind, especially for first-timers or less confident snorkelers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Transfer to Playa Palancar

A quick 10-minute taxi ride, often arranged or easy to organize, gets you to Playa Palancar. Here, you’ll start your guided tour with scenic views en route. This initial stop is usually a calm, relaxing introduction to the water, setting the stage for the later, more vibrant sites.

Playa El Cielo

The highlight for many is El Cielo, famous for its white sandy bottom and numerous starfish. Travelers frequently describe this spot as “incredible” and “beautiful,” with shallow waters perfect for floating and easy snorkeling. One reviewer even said, “It was amazing to see up close the starfish and the marine life around us.” Expect to spend around 75 minutes here, with enough time to float, take photos, and enjoy the tranquility.

Playa El Cielito Beach

Next, the group heads to El Cielito Beach, a shallow area where rays and other marine creatures swim freely. The waters are described as clear and warm, making it an easy, relaxed snorkeling experience. Multiple reviews mention how friendly and curious the stingrays are—some even say they “swam right up to us,” which is pretty special.

Return to Marina Cozumel

After these stops, you’ll head back to the starting point, usually with a stop for snacks and beverages. The included ceviche, soda, beer, and water are often highlighted as a pleasant way to unwind after the aquatic fun.

The whole experience is designed to be beginner-friendly—calm, shallow waters with excellent visibility most of the year. The guides facilitate safety and spotting marine life, and they often bring along GoPro photos, helping you capture those memorable moments.

Snorkeling gear—vests, masks, and tubes—is included, so you don’t need to worry about extra costs or bringing your own. The boat itself is insured and equipped with shade, adding a layer of comfort especially on hot days.

Duration and Group Size

Most tours last about 4 hours, with enough time at each site to comfortably snorkel and relax. While group sizes aren’t explicitly mentioned, reviews describe the boat rides as small and intimate, which usually enhances the experience.

One of the standout features for many is the included snacks and drinks, especially the ceviche. This fresh, flavorful dish, often made by the crew, rounds out the day nicely. Reviewers also enjoy the drinks—beer, soda, and water—making the trip feel more like a laid-back social outing.

A few reviews mention how the ceviche and beverages are a highlight, with one even describing the ceviche as “awesome” and “fresh.” These touches make the tour more than just snorkeling—it’s a full, relaxed experience.

Pros:

• Great value: For around $52, you get multiple snorkeling spots, gear, guides, snacks, and drinks.
• Variety of marine life: Turtles, rays, starfish, and colorful fish are common sights.
• Easy, close-to-port access: Suitable for cruise ship visitors with minimal hassle.
• Guided expertise: Guides are praised for their knowledge and friendliness, making everyone feel safe and informed.
• Beautiful scenery: Calm, clear waters and pristine beaches make for fantastic photo opportunities.

Cons:

• Sunburn risk: Several reviewers mention coming away sunburned, so proper sun protection is a must.
• Limited time at each site: The stops are relatively short—around 15-25 minutes—so if you’re an avid snorkeler wanting longer dives, this might feel rushed.
• No showers: Post-snorkeling amenities seem limited, which can be inconvenient if you want to freshen up quickly.

This trip is ideal for beginners and casual snorkelers thanks to the shallow, calm waters and guided support. It’s perfect for those who want a relaxed, scenic day with guaranteed marine life sightings without straying far from shore.

Travelers looking for good value with included snacks, drinks, and gear will find this tour makes the most of their budget. And if you’re arriving via cruise and need a short, hassle-free activity that covers many popular sites, this fits the bill.

Though families with older children or groups looking for a leisurely day will enjoy it, those seeking intense, long-duration diving might find the short stops too limited.

All things considered, this snorkeling tour in Cozumel offers a balanced mix of fun, safety, and great scenery. The guided aspect and the variety of sites make it especially appealing to travelers who want to see a good chunk of marine life in a morning or afternoon.

The value for money is notable, with all gear, snacks, and drinks included, and the guides’ local knowledge adds to the experience. While sun protection is something you’ll want to plan ahead for, the overall trip tends to leave travelers with memorable views, exciting animal encounters, and a sense of relaxed adventure.

If you’re eager to explore Cozumel’s vibrant underwater world without fuss, this tour is a solid choice—especially if you appreciate friendly guides, beautiful shallow waters, and good company.

Is hotel pickup or drop-off included?
No, this tour doesn’t include hotel transport. You need to meet at the Marina ASIPONA 15 minutes before the tour starts.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, biodegradable sunscreen (applied before the tour), beachwear, and cash for any personal expenses or marine fees.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly marketed as family-specific, the shallow, calm waters and guided support make it suitable for most ages, especially if children are comfortable swimmers.

How long is the snorkeling time?
Each stop typically offers around 15-25 minutes of snorkeling, with the full tour lasting about 4 hours including transfers and breaks.

Are the guides bilingual?
Yes, guides speak both English and Spanish, making communication easy for most travelers.

What marine animals might I see?
Common sightings include turtles, stingrays, starfish, and colorful fish. Some reviews even mention sharks, but sightings can vary.

Can I buy drinks or snacks during the tour?
Yes, drinks (beer, water, soda) and snacks are included in the price. Additional purchases are usually not necessary but are available if you wish.

If you’re after a relaxed yet exciting way to experience Cozumel’s underwater world, this snorkeling tour offers a lot for a reasonable price. Just remember to protect your skin from the sun, keep your camera handy, and enjoy the beauty beneath the waves.

You can check availability for your dates here: